Be Your Best

Lose Weight-and Keep It Off for Good

Obesity is on the rise in the United States. In fact, almost 70 percent of American adults are considered overweight.

And that’s not good.

Being overweight can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers – ailments that range from debilitating to disabling to fatal.

What steps can we take in our own lives to stop this dangerous trend? It’s simple: Eat less – and move your body more.

I turned 50 a few years back – seven years ago to be exact – and as I watched those postmenopausal pounds creeping up, I knew I had to take action.

So I started to walk.

Then I began running.

Push-ups became part of my daily life, and I embarked on a healthful eating program built around small, nutritious meals every two or three hours.

The combination of moving my body every day and eating less was all it took. At 57, I’m fitter than I’ve ever been. And if I – a natural-born sloth – can do it, you can, too!

So, starting today, try putting these tips into action:

Move your body every day: Walk, run, bike. Take it easy at first, if you need to, but take pride in your improvements. If you can walk, you can eventually build up to a little running, interspersed with walk breaks. For tips on how to get started, click here.

Strengthen your muscles to avoid osteoporosis. Your goal should be to work up to a daily routine of 20 push-ups, 20 squats and as many “planks” as you can. Click here to find out how to do these exercises properly; the last thing you want to do is derail your good intentions with an injury right off the bat.

Watch this short video to find out what to eat – and when – to shed excess pounds and keep them off:

Some more worthwhile action items for you to consider:

Beome a “health activist” in your community; get involved in programs that will help others – of all ages – embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Start a walking group on your street or in your neighborhood to get more people – but especially those over 50 – moving their bodies every day.

Be a good role model. One of the most powerful things we can do to help the next generation become the healthiest ever is to show younger people that it’s never too late to change the future!

Remember, we can’t control getting older, but we can control how we do it!